If you have set foot into an Indian liquor shop, the chances are that you would have seen 8pm whisky on the shelf. It is one of those budget brands that has garnered a name for itself. From a friend at the ekadashi, to spending their weekend chilling or simply hanging out with friends, this whisky has turned into a regular partygoer.
Few brands in the value category have kept such an even claim on everyone across India, and as a person who’s been writing about beverages and lifestyle for over 15 years now.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know—its history, price range, bottle sizes, alcohol percentage, and taste profile of the spirit—in addition to state-wise price differences and if it is worth buying.
About 8pm Whisky
It is a Radico Khaitan brand, one of india’s largest liquor manufacturers, which founded the company in 1999. The name “8pm” refers to the hour when most people unwind from their work. The brand had been defined as an inexpensive nightcap for the upper working class.
It grew massive popularity over the years, especially in urban and semi-urban markets.
Key Highlights
- Brand Owner: Radico Khaitan
- Launch Year: 1999
- Type: Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL)
- Alcohol Percentage: 42.8% ABV
- Segment: Budget Whisky
8pm Whisky Owner: Radico Khaitan
Based in Rampur, Radico Khaitan is one of India’s largest liquor companies, the maker of brands such as Magic Moments Vodka and Rampur Indian Single Malt. Founded in 1943, the company has grown to become one of the largest players in Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL). Over the years, Radico Khaitan has established a good track record by making several quality spirits that cater to various customer sets—from economy products to premium goods. It has a vast distribution network, making it available in most major states of India as well as international markets.
The company maintained its quality in all fields, focusing on research and development while complying with legal requirements and safety measures. Radico Khaitan is able to build strong consumer confidence by following traditional knowledge of distillation while adopting new-age production techniques. With the ongoing expansion of opportunities in its offerings and a solid brand framework, it remains one of the most awarded names in India’s alcohol sector and is recognized as one among many that shape the future of the country’s whisky and spirits industry.
8pm Whisky Price in India (State-Wise Overview)
Alcohol prices in India are largely determined by state taxes. Here’s an approximate comparison for the 750 ml bottle:
| State / UT | Approximate Price Range (₹) |
|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | ₹850 – ₹950 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | ₹750 – ₹850 |
| Assam | ₹800 – ₹900 |
| Chhattisgarh | ₹820 – ₹920 |
| Delhi | ₹700 – ₹800 |
| Goa | ₹750 – ₹850 |
| Haryana | ₹720 – ₹820 |
| Himachal Pradesh | ₹750 – ₹850 |
| Jharkhand | ₹820 – ₹900 |
| Karnataka | ₹900 – ₹1,050 |
| Kerala | ₹900 – ₹1,000 |
| Madhya Pradesh | ₹800 – ₹900 |
| Maharashtra | ₹950 – ₹1,100 |
| Manipur | ₹850 – ₹950 |
| Meghalaya | ₹780 – ₹880 |
| Mizoram | ₹850 – ₹950 |
| Nagaland | ₹800 – ₹900 |
| Odisha | ₹820 – ₹920 |
| Punjab | ₹750 – ₹850 |
| Rajasthan | ₹780 – ₹880 |
| Sikkim | ₹700 – ₹800 |
| Tamil Nadu | ₹920 – ₹1,050 |
| Telangana | ₹850 – ₹950 |
| Tripura | ₹780 – ₹880 |
| Uttar Pradesh | ₹750 – ₹850 |
| Uttarakhand | ₹760 – ₹860 |
| West Bengal | ₹850 – ₹950 |
| Chandigarh (UT) | ₹680 – ₹750 |
| Puducherry (UT) | ₹700 – ₹800 |
| Andaman & Nicobar Islands | ₹750 – ₹850 |
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli | ₹720 – ₹820 |
| Daman & Diu | ₹700 – ₹800 |
| Ladakh | ₹800 – ₹900 |
The disparity is mostly the result of excise duty and VAT collected by state governments.
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8pm Whisky Variants and Bottle Sizes
The brand is offered in an array of bottle sizes to cater to varying occasions and budgets.
| Bottle Size | Ideal For | Approximate Price Range (India) |
| 90 ml | Trial / Solo | ₹80 – ₹120 |
| 180 ml | Personal Use | ₹150 – ₹220 |
| 375 ml | Small Gathering | ₹300 – ₹400 |
| 750 ml | Regular Use | ₹480 – ₹950 |
| 1 Litre | Parties | ₹650 – ₹1,200 |
Prices differ based on state excise policies.
Alcohol Percentage and Composition
The spirit is 42.8 % ABV which is standard for most of the Indian whiskies.
It is a blend of:
- Grain spirits
- Select Indian malts
- Flavoring agents for smoothness
The blend aims to have a balanced, medium-strong taste without being too harsh.
Taste Profile and Drinking Experience
If you were expecting something second only to a premium Scotch, this is not that comparison. However, for the price you’ll pay, it provides decent smoothness.
Taste Notes:
- Mild caramel sweetness
- Light woody undertones
- Medium burn
- Slightly sharp finish
Best consumed:
- With water
- With soda
- On the rocks
It blends nicely and works well in basic cocktails.
Why 8pm Whisky Is So Popular
There are a few reasons why this brand is still going strong in India.
Affordable Pricing
It fits within middle-class budgets.
Wide Availability
Where to buy: Almost all licensed liquor shops.
Consistent Taste
Consumers get a similar taste from batch to batch.
Strong Brand Recall
It was a memorable and easy name.
Tax Breakdown: Where Does Your Money Go?
The brand is considered expensive by many, but taxes account for most of the cost.
Here’s a typical breakdown for a ₹900 bottle:
| Component | Percentage | Approximate Amount |
| Base Spirit & Production | 20% | ₹180 |
| Packaging & Logistics | 10% | ₹90 |
| State Excise Duty | 35–40% | ₹315–360 |
| VAT / Additional Taxes | 15–18% | ₹135–162 |
| Retailer Margin | 12–15% | ₹108–135 |
As can be observed, around half the price is taxation.
Packaging and Bottle Design
The bottle comes in both:
- Glass packaging
- Plastic bottle version (different states)
It has a simple design featuring a golden label and bold typography. Not premium-looking but functional hardware.
Legal Buying Rules in India
Before purchasing, remember:
- Carry valid government ID.
- Buy only from authorized stores.
- The sale of liquor delivery online is restricted in many states.
- Different states have different shop timings.
Is 8pm Whisky Worth Buying?
Let’s evaluate honestly.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to find
- Decent smoothness for price
- Multiple size options
Cons
- Not aged like premium whiskies
- Slightly sharp finish
- Basic packaging
Overall Rating (Budget Category)
| Category | Rating (Out of 5) |
| Value for Money | 4.2 |
| Taste | 3.6 |
| Availability | 4.5 |
| Packaging | 3.2 |
| Overall | 3.8 |
Within its segment, it’s a good performer.
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Best Occasions to Choose 8pm Whisky
- Weekend house parties
- Budget celebrations
- Small gatherings
- Casual evening relaxation
Not recommended for:
- Corporate gifting
- Premium whisky tasting sessions
Storage Tips
To maintain quality:
- Store in cool, dry place
- Keep away from sunlight
- Seal cap tightly after use
- Do not store excessively long after opening
Final Thoughts
8pm whisky has established itself well within India’s budget liquor category. It has remained consistently good quality and pricing strategy since its launch in 1999. Whilst not competing with the premium single malts available, it serves a need for ordinary drinkers after a decent and affordable option.
This is one of those brands you can consider if you want value-for-money whisky that’s relatively smooth and widely available. But as always, responsible consumption should be your focus.
FAQs About 8PM Whisky
1. How much alcohol is in 8pm whisky?
Ans: The usual fortification level of 42.8% ABV is normal for Indian whiskies.
2. Who manufactures 8pm whisky?
Ans: It is produced by Radico Khaitan, one of India’s largest liquor companies.
3. Is 8pm whisky sold in every state?
Ans: It is sold in the majority of Indian states; availability and pricing may differ.
4. How much does a 750 ml bottle of this wine generally cost?
Ans: The 750 ml bottle is typically priced between ₹700 and ₹1,000 before state taxes.
5. Is 8pm whisky good for beginners or first-timers?
Ans: Yes, this 249.99 is good for beginners in my opinion, and also the price-to-performance is good, and it’s not very smooth (moderate).
For more information on Indian whisky pricing and reviews, visit Madirakprice—your trusted source for alcohol pricing in India.
